Tap into Tryon for fun at 2nd annual beer fest

Published: Friday, November 1, 2013 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 1:48 p.m.

When organizers of Tryon’s first-ever Beer Fest invited the public to “tap into Tryon” last year, they were pleasantly surprised at how many took them up on the offer. Though 200 to 250 guests were expected, more than 500 local and regional beer-lovers attended.

This year, with extended hours, more brewers and additional activities, the push is on to handle even more attendees from all over the S.C. Upstate and Western North Carolina on Nov. 9 for the secnd annual Tryon Beer Fest.

Proceeds from the event, sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, will help with projects to continue the beautification and improvement of downtown.

Shelly Block, owner of the wine and beer boutique La Bouteille, is organizing this year’s event. There will be more than 30 craft beers for sampling.

“We start in Tryon and encompass all the local and regional beers we can,” Block said.

Since the event is modeled after Oktoberfest celebrations, German wines, food and music will also be part of the festivities.

Despite the larger-than-expected crowd last year, the festival went smoothly — a testament to the many volunteers, Block said. The festival was attended by locals as well. “It’s nice to see the whole community,” she added.

The traditionally attired Mountain Top Polka Band will perform polka songs and marches from 1 to 3 p.m., with local band The Trophy Husbands taking the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. Musician Christopher Laughter will roam the crowd from noon to 4 p.m. playing German cowbells and accordion.

Bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut and desserts are among the German foods available. In addition there will be soft pretzels and pizza by the slice. An all-you-can-eat oyster roast from 4 to 7 p.m. requires an advance ticket. For those nondrinkers who wish to participate in everything except the beer drinking, “designated driver” tickets are available. Nonalcoholic beverages and water will also be sold.

In keeping with traditional Oktoberfest celebrations, a Hammerschlagen competition will be held. In this Bavarian game dating back to the early 1800s, contestants attempt to pound a nail into a stump with the wedge end of the hammer.

Block said that a come-and-go policy with festival-goers will allow ticket-holders to explore the shops and attractions of downtown Tryon. The second annual “Rolling Art in Tryon,” a classic car, truck and motorcycle show, will be on display from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Palmer Street. Votes will be taken for favorite vehicles, with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m.

The Beer Fest will be from noon to 8 p.m. in the Depot Plaza, regardless of weather. A large tent will be set up in case of rain, and heaters are available should temperatures turn cold, Block said.

Advance tickets are $10 less than tickets purchased at the gate. The basic admission ticket is $30 in advance. Tickets for admission and the oyster roast are $50.

Tickets are available online and at La Bouteille in Tryon, Kathleen’s Gallery in Saluda and Ken’s Fine Meats and Seafood in Landrum. Only adults 21 years old and older are allowed into the festival.

For more information or to pre-order tickets, visit tryonbeerfest.com.

Tryon Beer Fest is also on Facebook, where a clock counts down seconds remaining until the festival’s gates open.

<p>When organizers of Tryon's first-ever Beer Fest invited the public to “tap into Tryon” last year, they were pleasantly surprised at how many took them up on the offer. Though 200 to 250 guests were expected, more than 500 local and regional beer-lovers attended.</p><p>This year, with extended hours, more brewers and additional activities, the push is on to handle even more attendees from all over the S.C. Upstate and Western North Carolina on Nov. 9 for the secnd annual Tryon Beer Fest.</p><p>Proceeds from the event, sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association, will help with projects to continue the beautification and improvement of downtown.</p><p>Shelly Block, owner of the wine and beer boutique La Bouteille, is organizing this year's event. There will be more than 30 craft beers for sampling.</p><p>“We start in Tryon and encompass all the local and regional beers we can,” Block said.</p><p>Since the event is modeled after Oktoberfest celebrations, German wines, food and music will also be part of the festivities.</p><p>Despite the larger-than-expected crowd last year, the festival went smoothly — a testament to the many volunteers, Block said. The festival was attended by locals as well. “It's nice to see the whole community,” she added.</p><p>The traditionally attired Mountain Top Polka Band will perform polka songs and marches from 1 to 3 p.m., with local band The Trophy Husbands taking the stage from 5 to 8 p.m. Musician Christopher Laughter will roam the crowd from noon to 4 p.m. playing German cowbells and accordion.</p><p>Bratwurst, potato salad, sauerkraut and desserts are among the German foods available. In addition there will be soft pretzels and pizza by the slice. An all-you-can-eat oyster roast from 4 to 7 p.m. requires an advance ticket. For those nondrinkers who wish to participate in everything except the beer drinking, “designated driver” tickets are available. Nonalcoholic beverages and water will also be sold.</p><p>In keeping with traditional Oktoberfest celebrations, a Hammerschlagen competition will be held. In this Bavarian game dating back to the early 1800s, contestants attempt to pound a nail into a stump with the wedge end of the hammer.</p><p>Block said that a come-and-go policy with festival-goers will allow ticket-holders to explore the shops and attractions of downtown Tryon. The second annual “Rolling Art in Tryon,” a classic car, truck and motorcycle show, will be on display from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Palmer Street. Votes will be taken for favorite vehicles, with an awards ceremony at 2 p.m.</p><p>The Beer Fest will be from noon to 8 p.m. in the Depot Plaza, regardless of weather. A large tent will be set up in case of rain, and heaters are available should temperatures turn cold, Block said.</p><p>Advance tickets are $10 less than tickets purchased at the gate. The basic admission ticket is $30 in advance. Tickets for admission and the oyster roast are $50.</p><p>Tickets are available online and at La Bouteille in Tryon, Kathleen's Gallery in Saluda and Ken's Fine Meats and Seafood in Landrum. Only adults 21 years old and older are allowed into the festival.</p><p>For more information or to pre-order tickets, visit tryonbeerfest.com.</p><p>Tryon Beer Fest is also on Facebook, where a clock counts down seconds remaining until the festival's gates open.</p>